80s Hit Was SO HARD…Icon REPLACED Brother’s Guitar Parts…Haven’t Talked in 43 Yrs!-Professor of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ย. 2023
- The fact is Dire Straits interrupted disco in the late 70s with the classic song Sultans of Swing that would take radio hostage! with their unique sound and singer Mark Knopfler’s gruff iconic vocals. but they were victims of the sophomore slump when their 2nd record faltered and flailed on the charts. Determined to bounce back with a statement album, Knopfler heard a song on the radio that flipped him out, Because the Night by Patti Smith and it triggered a series of events that led to arguably his best work. Making Movies An album that was so meticulous and exact that the title track of the record was cut from the album at the last second. It was a rough process to touch greatness, it even caused a bitter falling out with his brother and band mate… The 2 haven’t spoken in over 40 years. The story of two of the greatest songs from the album Tunnel of Love and Skateaway are next on Professor of Rock.
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Dire Straits... a group renowned for its captivating blend of musical genres, and masterful guitar artistry, is one of the most distinctive of the Rock Era. Among their many inspired tracks, “Tunnel and Love” and “Skateaway” stand out as emblematic examples of the band’s exceptional musicianship and evocative lyricism. Those two songs, both featured on the 1980 album Making Movies not only showcase leader Mark Knopfler’s virtuosic skills, but also evoke escapism, romance, and complexities of modern life. There were only three cuts on Side One of Dire Straits brilliant Making Movies LP, but those three songs created nearly 21 minutes of the most powerful musical theater ever recorded.
The first act on Making Movies was the epic “Tunnel of Love”:
The first time Mark Knopfler heard the lead guitar riff by James Burton on Ricky Nelson’s “A Little Too Much,” he was hooked. At 10 years old, the Newcastle lad was determined to become a guitar virtuoso. But the young man had to be patient and seize the right opportunity to pursue his aspiration. When Mark was 15, he found employment as a copyboy for the hometown periodical the Evening Chronicle. At the same time, he got his first guitar.
It wasn’t the Fender Stratocaster that he pleaded with his father to buy him, but beggars can't be choosers. His father could barely scrounge enough money to buy his son a Hofner Super Solid guitar. Even though it wasn’t the object of his desire, Mark was grateful to have ANY guitar so he could start forging his path into music. The man who would write Money for Nothing and Sultans of Swing was grateful to start his journey.
During the mid-60s, Mark hitchhiked his way around England and throughout Europe, jamming with local bands along the way for food & board. In ’68 he studied journalism for a year at Harlow College and became a junior reporter for the Yorkshire Evening Post while living in Leeds. - บันเทิง
Poll: Happy Thanksgiving! What is your pick for the best Dire Straits song?
Twisting By The Pool
Brothers In Arms
Expresso Love
So Far Away
Ooh, good question. I'd have to say it's a toss-up between Sultans of Swing and Skateway.
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Walk Of Life"
I know it wasn't a big hit, but "Industrial Disease" is one of my absolute favorite songs. They did great songs, but this one which was a one off, was really a great song. It had great guitar work, solid beat, comedy and depth.
Brilliant song.
A fantastic display of Mark's sardonic sense of humor. So many of his lyrics are pensive and introspective that his humor is often overlooked.
Good call. A bit forgotten but its one of my favorites. A brilliant Song.
@@seaoftranquility7228”Industrial Disease”! One of my all-time favorite songs. Great arrangement with really tasty piano and Hammond organ parts!
I use to play that song so loud it would echo throughout the huge warehouse I was working in… I’m sure it could be heard for miles…. 😂😂😂😂
Tunnel of love means so much to me, I fell for a girl who lived in that area, we climbed the soft clay cliffs of Whitley Bay, sang karaoke in the bar, walked the beach, visited Spanish City and the arcades.. we were friends.. I longed for it to go further but never told her how I felt about her until years later - by then it was too late.. whenever I hear this song I think of her.. of what could have been.. if I'd had the nerve to say how I felt.
Just going through it now and it’s the same story for me!😉👍
It’s okay. We all have regrets.
A beautiful memory, thanks for sharing
Bazza if it didn't happen for you back then then it simply wasn't meant to be for you.
@@jeffmills5827Life is not a rehearsal, when you get a chance at a good thing, you have to grab it.
Life rarely offers second chances.
“Communique” is still a decent record. Title song, “News,” “Once Upon a Time in the West,” and my favorite “Where Do You Think You’re Going?” are standout tracks.
As for Mark and David… you wish brothers could be as close as Malcolm and Angus, but egos often destroy relationships, families, businesses.
Where do you think you're going - yes, brilliant song. Total soundscape
Agree about 'Communique' Play it to death every 2 years or so on rotation. Love the ending of 'News' (that was not a joke) The drumming and the ships hooter chord reminds me of the River Tyne. Agree with diggermate's 'Soundscape' quote.
Love “Follow Me Home” from Communique as well…the sultry rhythm and cool solo.
_Communiqué_ is great. That and the first album IS Dire Straits if you ask me. I lost interest from _Making Movies_ forward. Sure, Movies had some good music, but the group's sound was completely gone. I'm all about group chemistry: it's what sells the music. Change the chemistry, and you change the whole product.
I'm not sure if I could name an album with a better first four tracks than Tunnel of Love, Romeo and Juliet, Skateaway, and Expresso Love. Absolute perfection!
Dark Side of the Moon is a contender...Speak to Me, Breathe, On the Run, Time.
Probably a tie in my humble opinion. 1 and 1a.
Led Zeppelin 1
I used to listen to it driving home from my college job at 9:30p. The captivating guitar riffs and solos, lyrical magic, the complementary keys. Happy memories
Black Cow, Aja, Deacon Blues, Peg
Making Movies rocks, Love over Gold feels too slow tempo for my liking.All those songs were better live apart from P.I. that's just boring imo. Too slow and too long.
Mark Knopflers' voice and guitar sound is so iconic. Your ear is drawn into it now matter what song you hear it in...
And...In honor of Thanksgiving, it's getting about time to fire up "Alice's Restaurant...
Sad about him and his Brother, I had no idea. People, life is too short for that kind of thing.
I agree. Have you ever see him live?
@@ProfessorofRock I have not. Always on the list, but never comes close enough to NC to go...
And a suggestion for you- The Babys / John Waite / Bad English...
Will do!@@Jreb1865
John and (the late) Tom Fogerty, meet Mark and David Knopfler. Oh, and I would like to introduce you to Donald and Phillip. They call themselves the Everly Brothers.
I'm delighted to know that "Alice's Restaurant" is an annual tradition for others besides me, I've been playing it every Thanksgiving since the early 80s.
When I was married, we used to spend Thanksgiving with my husband's brother who lived an hour and a half away. My ex was a grouchy nervous guy who disliked children intensely, weird since he's worked for Disneyland for 43 years now.
His two grandchildren we brought with us were darling children who I love very much. I drove my car separately so they could ride with me in the "noisy car". I was rather proud that the kids named it that, gleefully. It was because in their grandfather's car they had to be absolutely silent or be screamed and cursed at.
My favorite PBS radio station always plays "Alice" every year so we listened to it in the car on our way, and sang along with the chorus. By the time we got to their uncle's house, they had the chorus memorized. They sang it for the family and almost everyone was charmed and loving it, except my now ex who was glaring at me with a homicidal look in his eye.
My advice to young single folks, NEVER marry a person who hates the music you love. I wish I'd known that earlier. When I found out that he hates Tom Waits, Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel (whoodafuk hates him?), and he said Roy Orbison was the worst singer ever (that's crazy talk); I should have run away! The only "music" he will listen to is crap like Kid Rock and "new" country. yuck.
There is an old country tune that does make me think of him, "Thank God and Greyhound (He's) Gone!" by the banjo legend, Roy Clark. That's back when we had some great artists performing country music, like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Dolly.
Tunnel of Love is arguably one of the greatest songs in rock history. Just damn near perfect.
It’s brilliant.
Only Telegraph Road is a contender.
The outro solo is for me THE greatest guitar solo ever
Been crazy on the waltzes ..
From what i understand Knopfler's father liked tunnel of love. So Mark retired it from live performances in memory of his father. The fact the lyrics are now on display at the spanish city in Whitley Bay. Means so much to do many. Mark was always able to tell a story in music and lyrics. Be that in 1977 or 2020.
I have heard this to. Tunnel of love is my absolute favourite song in the world.
And i always wonderd why he never played it again after some point in 1992, its not confirmed by Knopfler in any statement ive seen, but its the word in the street so to say 🙂
I absolutely love Dire Straits. Strange thing about their music is that often the live version of their songs is better than the studio version. MK is more than a guitar icon, he's an incredible lyricist as well.
I agree. Have you ever seen them live?
@@ProfessorofRock what about his side projects? Around 1990 he did an album with one of his heroes, Chet Atkins. Then, he gathered a bunch of guys and made a fantastic country (sort of) album, calling themselves the Knotting Hillbillies. The album title was called Missing: Presumed Having a Good Time. It's fantastic.
@@robertthurman3743 Saw the Notting Hillbillies live. Did a three hour set of DS, Folk, country and Rock N Roll. Brilliant gig. But even geniuses can forget to plug their guitar in, as Mark did.😂
Great lyricist for sure...With a storytelling quality no doubt inspired by Country and Western.
I've always hated any live versions of Dire Straits songs. Knopfler always tries to sing extra good, which becomes extra bad. He always wants to ad lib all kinds of stuff, which sounds like shit.
Skateaway is my favorite Dire Straits song. Great story song. When you hear it, you can actually see this happening.
I agree. Love it!
@ProfessorofRock so unique too
Very underrated song
Watching the video is even better!
Let me preface this by saying that I've been a Dire Straits fan from the very beginning. Absolutely loved that first album and most of the albums that followed. But then you mentioned "Darkness On The Edge of town". One of my absolute favorite albums of all time. I can't begin to tell you how much that album's meant to me. An album with so much angst and passion, it burned a hole through my 18th year and still resonates so deeply with me, in my 63rd year. For my money, it's Springsteen's finest album. My late brother loved "Racing In The Streets ", so much. Till this day, I can't help but tear up, when I hear it played. Sorry, this didn't turn out to be about Dire Straits, but I just couldn't help myself. Darkness On the Edge of Town, is part of the reason that I consider 1978, to be my favorite year in music.
Such an amazing album.
Bruce's best.
Top ten of the 70's
There is never enough Dire Straits for me. Their music is magical. ❤
I feel the same way!
I agree with that!
Making Movies is an amazing album. My favourite song on the album is "Romeo and Juliet," hands down. It's just got so much emotion in it. Thanks for sharing this phenomenal band.
The album Communique is only a “failure” in the sense that it didn’t chart as well as the debut, and it’s a mystery to me as to why. Personally, I think it has the best and most tasteful riffs of any Dire Straits album.
I think it was more it didn't have a big hit single, like Sultans Of Swing on the first one. Lady Writer is the only song I ever heard on the radio from that one.
Agreed. It’s full of excellent songs and great guitar. Single Handed Sailor is a true gem.
Agree, but as stated it didn’t have a hit. Also stylistically it didn’t differ much from the debut (fine by me). So I guess for a lot of people it was more of the same, so it didn’t have impact. Of course the next 3 albums all switched markedly in style/theme.
To me all of their first 5 albums were great, with Brothers in arms, while still good, having a bit too much commercial sensibilities for Mark, which he tried to pear back with ‘On every street’ but it was a bit of a mishmash. And that was enough for him…
I actually think Making Movies could have been their best album songs wise, but the production was a bit bland/over produced. But that was kind of the style then. Of course those songs (and others) shined on Alchemy.
I've been a fan of Dire Straits since they came onto the scene in the late 70s. And as a drummer myself, I really feel Pick Withers is very much under appreciated. He has a special "feel" for the drums that makes the music that much more fantastic. I love the opening on Skateaway...which is tied with "Sultans of Swing" as my favorite DS song. It's one of those songs I can't help but air drum to when I hear it.
I agree! Have you ever seen them live?
@@ProfessorofRock Unfortunately not. They were in concert in a city where I lived some years ago, but I could not make the connection to make it to the show.
@@ProfessorofRock Never got to see DS live, but I've seen Mark solo twice, most recently in 2019.
One of the most skilled drummers that most people overlook.
Who the F quits Dire Straits??
After the death of their sister, Mark and David became close again. David said they are communication regularly now. David also said in an interview they both nearly went to the induction of Dire Strait into the hall of fame. Mark said “if David would go he would go”. But David and Mark aren’t into the click of the hall of fame. Remember the song “ In the Gallery”. Where the song talks about a group of people telling others who was good or bad.
Dire Straits is my favorite band. I got to see them 3 time in 91 n saw Mark twice as a Soloist in 2005.
Tunnel of Love live best song ever
Not many artists can make a 8-minute song, and never lose the listeners interest. Tunnel of Love is a masterpiece, an actual "movie" of a song. Their best work, and an amazing outro.
Telegraph road was 14 minute epic
Talking about making movies, Mark Knopfler did the film score for the wonderful little known movie “Local Hero”. The music is brilliant, cinematic and just plain wonderful.
That's right!
One of my all time favourite movies. Frederick Forsythe was a brilliant director. Also loved Gregory’s Girl
I haven’t seen it.
Local Hero and Gregory’s Girl are my favourite movies. Local Hero must have one of the best film scores.
And of course Mark wrote the musical score for “The Princess Bride”
I love how dig into the background and find the real reasons songs were written, sang, played, as well as the environment that helped shape the awesome music that cannot be forgotten! Thank you! Why are people not liking the videos?! Come on people!
Cool, thanks!
Patty Smith's "Because the Night"sure is an inspirational song, and a favorite of mine. I can definitely see how it can move another artist like that.
I saw Mark Knopfler in 2015. The man himself and his band were sensational, he gave every member some spotlight time and they were super tight. Mark told stories in his chilled way while seamlessly moving in and out of songs.
Sensational.
The Professor is one of the best storytellers on the internet and elsewhere. He could make any subject interesting, and his knowledge of ROCK is outstanding. Love Dire Straits. Sultans of Swing is my fav.
The Live Aid performance of Sultans of Swing is next level. One of the highlights of that glorious day in July 1985 when the world united for famine relief. Totally sublime, including the section where it slows down and the sax solo is played so beautifully. Mark Knopfler's interview with Brian Johnson of AC/DC in the Sky Arts series where Johnson interviews other artists is also very interesting.
Very cool! I agree. Love DS!
Amazing performance.
@@Bonzi_Buddy Spectacular. The way Dire Straits play as a cohesive, tight unit is so impressive.
Yeah!!! At Live Aid so many of them were at the peak of their careers. Dire Straits, Sting, Queen, David Bowie, U2, Madonna & many more
@@borisblvd5354 It was amazing, some performances better than others though, and the long gaps between slots were not ideal. Springsteen had just played at Wembley and left his stage for the concert- it was a revolving stage to allow acts to rotate through the running order.
Making Movies is a pivot album as Dire Straights changed their sound after this record, mainly due to the addition of Roy on keyboards. It's obvious that Roy brought a lot to the recording sessions of Making Movies to the point that Knopfler decided that he needed a permanent keyboardist in the band. On the next album, "Love Over Gold", the lineup changed with the addition of Alan Clark on keyboards. From that record on, Dire Straights had a keyboardist in the ranks. In fact, when 1985's massive album "Brothers In Arms" came out, Knopfler added an additional keyboardist to the band (Guy Fletcher). "Brothers" catapulted Dire Straights into the stratosphere spanning numerous hits off the album including an MTV anthem, "Money For Nothing". Clearly, Roy Bittan impressed Knopfler that having a keyboardist on board would give the band an additional dimension that was missing from the two albums that came out before "Making Movies". One has to wonder if "Brothers In Arms" would have been made if it were not for Roy Bittan's involvement in the "Making Movies" album. With "Brothers In Arms" being a heavy keyboard album, it would be hard to imagine it existing without having a keyboard player in the band.
Great video. Love DS. Mark Knopfler is a top-shelf guitarist. He has his own sound. That puts him up there with Clapton, Page, and others. Thanks, professor for highlighting this record and the stories behind it.
I really felt like it was needed too. As good as their first album was, their sound was becoming repetitive.
I had just started my freshman year in college when this was released. It’s an amazing album. There would be some fun music in the 80’s but this was a masterpiece. Their music may have been a little too sophisticated for the 80’s radio/MTV audience. MK’s ability to craft a song through his storytelling, use of dynamics, disregard for the standard 3-4 minute song structure set him apart. This is why we’re still talking about it decades later.
I am amazed that nobody ever talks about Love Over Gold! My favorite album of theirs!
Great record!
It’s such a great record.
Absolutely love Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits! Mark is a virtuoso finger picking guitarist, fabulous lyricist, and has a distinct voice that is perfect for his songs. Alchemy is the best live performance ever. Even now as a solo act, his songs knock me out. As a guitarist, he is the person other famous artists come to and want to perform with. Tunnel of Love, also from the live Alchemy performance (as Sultans of Swing) was over the top great. Hard to pick one song, as he doesn't do "filler" material...
Romeo and Juliet is the #1 DS song for me. I'm a sucker for love songs, tho. Like all great music, it evokes clear images in my mind, sparks memories, and gives hope for the future. Music is life. Thanks again, POR
Thanks!
One of the best story songs ever.
In the fall of 1977 my big sister was a student at Durham University in the north east of England when my best friend and I took the train up from Yorkshire for a visit. In the bar of the all female residential college the Friday evening we arrived was a band of scruffy looking blokes playing originals rather than the usual covers. My sister and her friends were totally ignoring them, but my buddy and I kept nudging each other saying “Hey, these guys are pretty good!” as we edged closer to the stage to gawp at what the guitarist mentioned was his recently purchased red Fender Stratocaster. The following spring the band in question released their debut single and the rest was indeed history. The single? Sultans of Swing.
Love Skate Away, I remember when it was fresh and it got huge air time. The lyrics and composition Marc required was evident in his sibling relationship, but made Steely Dan depth of music. Brothers in Arms became the next Opus. Thanks Adam!
Oh! And Happy Thanksgiving to you, Professor and your family, and all in the Professor of Rock community! I hope your day is full of love, good food and reasons to be thankful! For those who may be struggling with loneliness, distress and maybe heartbreak, I said a prayer for you this morning. Even if I don't know you or anything about you, you're on my mind today❤! Rock on, ya'll🤘!
Same to you Linda! Wonderful post!
Happy Thanksgiving, Linda!
I don't know whether I would call this record "overlooked" or not, but it's a shame you don't here these records played on the radio anymore. Best Dire Straits record ever.
A few months after the release of Making Movies , Dire Straits were invited as special guests to the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy , in Feb. 1981 , and took the whole event by storm. Since then , Making Movies has always been my favourite album of the group.
Agreed. A masterpiece!
Tunnel of Love is the perfect song.
Did you get to see them?
Skateaway is one of my all time favorites. Takes me back to a cold November evening, just turned 16. Just got my license and sitting in a car older than i was, in the rain, coming back from my first job. Ah, the plans for what my life would be... Still always have that as a warm memory.
Beautiful!
I’m working towards my license right now!
I'm so thrilled to see this Dire Straits album getting some love - it's easily one of the best albums of 1980 (and that's saying something!) and my favorite album from the Dire Straits catalog. "Skateaway" is such a classic and that guitar outro illustrates perfectly why Mark Knopfler is so revered... 😀
The back story of "Tunnel of Love", one Dire Straits song I didn't pay attention to before, serves to underline why Sting collaborated with them in 1985. He and Mark are from the same neck of the woods and probably had several parallel experiences. I could just imagine the two swapping tall tales about their childhoods while recording "Money for Nothing".
Dire Straits (arguably) did more to fly in the face of punk rock than they did with disco.
Fantastic album! Romeo and Juliet is on there, unbelievable song! I would love to see you interview Mark Knopfler.
I would love that. He's a legend!
Would be the best Christmas gift ever!
One of my favorite bands so far. Some of their songs just transport me to other places and I'm younger than some of their albums so, they are timeless. Thanks for everything professor, you always show some of the best performers ever. Take care!
“Tunnel of Love” outro is my morning ritual as I start my day. It puts me in the right frame of mind. This song gets better over the years like fine wine. The live versions of this song epitomize what a complete song is: Great beginning, Fantastic (nostalgic) mid part, and the Finale of all finales for the ending. I can listen to it on repeat and never get bored.
Exactly 💪
Hi, for some reason that lyric '....don't give a damn about any trumpet playing band' has always stayed with me. Expresso Love is definitely their best.
Yeah, a real shot over Herb Alpert’s bow…
@@kristenwaite5955 HA Herb is about my favorite artist ever
@@Ganja-jh6iy From your name I'm guessing "herb" is your favorite *everything* ever!
@@KenLieck don't judge a book by its cover!!!!!
Great song!
Great deep dive into this album, I've always felt that this was their finest achievement. As you describe, it's a majestic, melancholic soundscape from start to finish, you just put the
needle down and drink the whole thing in. While Knopfler perhaps didn't show off as much as he could have with guitar pyrotechnics, he let the songs speak for themselves.
For me, only Telegraph Road, "Sultans", and Brothers in Arms approach or surpass anything on Making Movies.
It would make an amazing movie.
Good to see a review of a Dire Straits song that isn't an obvious one. Dire Straits has an amazing catalog that has a lot of hidden gems. Other than the obvious ones, my fave Dire Straits albums are Making Movies and Love Over Gold.
Skateaway is my favorite Dire Straits song that isn't one of their famous hits.
You will never find a finer live performance than Tunnel of Love Live in 85. Note perfect whilst effectively jamming his own song creating perfection from chaos. Sublime.
Skate Away always impressed me. The tones and some of the lyrics just fit perfectly. No, I'm not a skater. I'm a Dire Straits fan.
It seems silly now, but for many, many years I did believe I was one of the few that truly thought this record was fantastic. It is good to see this video and know that I was not alone in my sentiments. Thanks!
❤
Sultans!
Also love Twisting By The Pool!
Happy Turkey Day, Everybody!!!!!! ❤
Happy Thanksgiving my friend!
Happy Thanksgiving, Roger!
Best album Brothers in Arms. Every song is great.
"Southbound again, don't know if I'm going, or leaving, home... get the same old feeling every time I'm moving down the line." Lyrics that resonate with all of us who left Newcastle and moved south for work. That feeling we got after a visit home then getting on the train back to London.
Mark Knopfler has played onstage with both Chet Atkins and Vince Gill IIRC. Tells you all that you need to know about the immense fingerpicking and strumming talent of all three undeniable masters!🤔🎤🎼🎵🎶🎸🎻🥁B.W.
Love Dire Straits' unique sound and Mark Knopfler's guitar playing. Wishing y'all a blessed Thanksgiving.
Same to you! TED!
@@ProfessorofRock - Thanks, Professor
Happy Thanksgiving, Ted!
Oh MAN did this bring a smile to my face! In ~1984 I was playing in a stone-cold country band in western Ohio (Alabama, Patsy Cline, Waylon) and the band asked me why I never brought any songs to the band, and I had to admit I wasn't much of a country fan, I was just learning my instruments. I did mention this "twist" song that I was fond of, and they agreed to learn it/try it in the clubs. We debuted "Twistin' by the Pool" in the first set, and the dance floor PACKED!! This never happens, in the first set and definitely not to a song that no one's heard of before, but it did that night! We got a request to do the song, again, the third set! We played it often after that, while maintaining our "country" roots.
Hope you can eventually cover DS's "Love over Gold", another minor seller and only TWO songs on Side 1. The first track, "Telegraph Road", has the world's greatest guitar solo, one of the greatest songs, and imnsho is the greatest rock record ever made (and the second song just happens to be my go-to track for showing off my audio system). Great, and severely underrated, album.
This is my favorite ALBUM of all time. This is the best made album. I have been listening to this album for 43 years. All the songs are great. I would rank Romeo and Juliet second to Tunnel of Love.
Fully agree - Tunnel is the greatest of all time
Dire Straits and Bruce Springsteen have provided the sound track to my life! To choose one song is really hard but id have to choose Telegraph Road, followed very closely by Brothers in Arms. So many great songs.
Amen!
Two great artists that provide the perfect soundtrack to life.
Money for Nothing was the 1st album I ever bought, I still have it, that guitar play on it was awesome. Love their early albums, Communique was a very good album and a good example of their typical laid back style. Think the big problem was that the songs on that album were not dance songs but were for listening........ And Once Upon a Time in the West...... just great.
In my opinion one of the very few bands which just were not able to make bad albums.
Thanks so much for highlighting not just this great band, but this particular album. I have long felt this was the secret best work of DS - drowned out by Brothers in Arms by most. I was hooked when the video for Skateaway started running in the early MTV days, and the album cassette was a frequent flyer on my Walkman!! Thanks again & great work as always..
My old boss, many years ago, was a Dire Straits fanatic, and once he said to me "nobody ever covers Mark Knopfler's songs because nobody can remember all those f&@king words". Romeo & Juliet is easily my favourite song on this album. But Tunnel of Love is sensational too
I would say "The Man's too Strong" from Brothers in Arms is my personal favorite. The dark, introspective lyrics and moody musical tone punctuated by the synth guitar at the end of each chorus creates an atmosphere that that gives me chills every time I hear it.
Honorable mention goes to "Telegraph Road." Because it's "Telegraph Road."
The "attack warning from World War II" that you refer to was "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (literally "Tiger!" but the phrase also meant lightning attack and was a signal that the Japanese had achieved complete surprise in their attack on Pearl Harbor). But what the rollergirl in Skateaway is saying is "Toro! Toro!" (Spanish for "Bull! Bull!") and it's a taunt offered by a matador who thinks he is too quick for the lumbering bull (note in the opening verse she's called "an urban toreador," which is to say a bullfighter.)
I hoped someone would pick up on that. I wonder how he could get it so mixed up.
This puts the song in a new context for me! Thanks.
This is probably my favorite album. I remember listening to this record in my older brother’s room with all his friends. Every song is not just good it’s great.
Wow. What a beautiful homage to a beautiful album. Thx for this!!!!
If it wasn’t for Les Boys this would be my favourite Straits album. Every other track is a masterpiece. Skateaway is my favourite from MM as it was the song that got me into the band. It led me on a wonderful journey into the bands and Mark’s solo work. Saw them five times including their headline at the Mandela concert in 88 with Eric Clapton as guest guitarist. Got to meet John Illsley about four years ago. Very down to earth
Agreed. In the 80's, Making Movies was in regular rotation on my Walkman, but I regularly fast-forwarded over Les Boys. I just couldn't get into it.
When’s the last time you saw them live?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 saw them twice on the On Every Street tour91-92, last tour they did. Once at NEC Birmingham when I was in the eighth row and then at Woburn Abbey in the fourth row.
I'm happy they left off Twisting by the Pool.
@@seaturtledog they initially played it live then dropped it as Mark hated the song. Two Young Lovers from the EP was preferred
My personal favourite Dire Straits album. I loved how on Skate away when he almost laughs singing the bit about the truck grazing her hip.
Thank you so much, love Dire Straits but never knew the story's behind the songs. It's like hearing them for the first time again! Love your channel!
Love the live version of local hero, there are so many songs I play regularly.
What’s one of them?
I actually consider Communique their best album, the ‘harmony’ of the two brothers guitars is awesome. Its my definition of pub rock.
Such an underrated album, no slump there & it has a lot of my top DS playlist jams. Angel Of Mercy comes in at #7, then Ladywriter, Mark Knopfler - Boom, Like That & Once Upon A Time In The West, & Portobello Belle coming up down the line between Tahitian Skies with Chet Atkins & Wild West End
Great album
I love that album! I think it deserves more respect than it's given.
Agreed - Making Movies is a little dull for me apart from Tunnel of Love and Romeo and Juliet. Communique is a musical feast. Oh and the way I heard it Prof, is that David was fired cos he wasn't pulling his weight and didn't show up for rehearsals. Illsley went to his hotel and did the deed.
I’m a huge DS fan and have been for years, saw them live many times. Tunnel of Love is possibly my favourite track of theirs and their album I must have played a 1000 tines at least. The live version of Tunnel of Love in Alchemy is amazing, the build up to the outro is just sublime, I remember it bringing tears to my eyes when I first listened to it.
Great video sir 🙏🏻
Was fortunate enough to see these guys live at the peak of their careers Love Skate Away and Brothers in Arms always makes me tear up a little and Telegraph Road too
Dire Straits were my favourite group when I was in High school and Making Movies is, along with Brothers In Arms, arguably their best album. It's like a greatest hits album, because, as well as these two great tracks, it also has the epic Romeo and Juliet, the beautiful Expresso Love and Hand In Hand and one of their best rock songs, Solid Rock. The only track which is less than perfect is Les Boys, which I like, but I think Twisting By the Pool would have been a better choice. Great review Professor!
Every song is a delight. A must listen album for all ages.
The 1982 ep is so cool, that's a great idea to take off the misplaced last song on Making Movies & swap it for If I Had You, Two Young Lovers & Twisting By The Pool!
Back in the Saddle Again Naturally
BOOM!
thank you so much for NOT doing alice's restaurant. i can't stand that song and if i never hear it again it will not bother me one bit, its bad enough that they play it on thanksgiving once but it used to be a 24 hour from 12:00 am thanksgiving day to 11:59 thanksgiving night, back in the late 70s 80s right up to maybe even the early 90s, i don't know because when thanksgiving came around way back when i would change the station or just cut the radio right off and listen to albums
Thanks Richard!
Dire Straits’ Money For Nothing was my first CD, offered by the store owner where my father bought our first Hi-Fi in 1991 (it’s now in my apartment still working). I immediately fell in love with the band. My favorite song is from a different album, it’s the song Lady Writer. Those guitar parts get me every time. I equally love So Far Away.
Sultans of Swing a top song that peaked at 6 in Dec 1978 here in Australia . Has a reference to Harry Vanda and George Young brother of Angus top Aussie songwriters; ALL 8 albums to 1991 made the top 10 here
That's right!
Who is Harry Vanda?
The sultans of swing is one of the 1970's best songs in my opinion.
Agreed. Love it. Have you ever seen them live Wayne?
I agree. Gotta give it credit for just how good a song it is.
I don't see how you can say the album didn't have a hit single. Romeo & Juliet was a pretty big hit in Europe, especially the UK
I must be weird, I liked Communique when it came out and I still do.
I agree. I like anything DS!
Don't forget Romeo and Juliet. The third Ace up Knopler's sleeve. This LP is the height of DS's career. Though " Brothers in Arms" was a giant seller, this was Knopler at his best.
Romeo and Juliet had a bit of a radio revival in the early 90's when the Indigo Girls did a cover of it.
It always impressed me how Roy Bittan played a huge role on the sound of Dire Straits Tunnel of Love and Making Movies in general, he is so underrated. It must also be rare to have been an integral part of two songs with the same title for two different artists.
Is Bittan underrated? Hard to tell. By who? The rock artists rate him, he’s played with some of the best.
I am so glad you mentioned Skateaway. It is my favorite by the band. As a single, 20-something radio DJ in the 80s, it seemed that song was written for me (of course I know it wasn't), but it just reached out and touch me. I used to get lost in the music of the time. And, I used to roller skate everywhere.
Wonderful reflection and summary of one of the best mood albums of the 80's.
You know that Mark Knopfler is one of the guitarists heavily influenced by Chet Atkins. And not just in the abstract. I don't think Knopfler would be the same without the time he spent with Chet Atkins. My dad used to talk about what a great guy Atkins was, and he made the impossible become possible on a guitar.
If you are staring at your oven-baked turkey and massive Thanksgiving spread but still long for a Swanson Turkey TV Dinner in the aluminum tray with apple cranberry cobbler, you should have already clicked that bell and subscribe button!
Hahaha right 😂
Ha ha!
Nailed it!
I can smell that.
Mark Knopfler is an abdolute GEM. His solo stuff is incredible too. Die Straits is still timeless. Such beautiful music.
Tunnel of love , such a fantastic, evocative song .. probably my favourite track by this Band .. feels like a movie , book , personal even .. everything about it just works .. I know Where's he's singing about but even if I did nt I m right there ..classic , masterpiece, call what you like it's music at its story telling best 👌 ❤
How do you do an entire episode about making movies and not mention Romeo and Juliet? The biggest hit song on the record #8 UK
Love this group. Such unparalleled guitar skill. It’s hard to say which is a favourite. Maybe it’s telegraph road. Love over gold.
I remember when I first heard Dire Straits first album in Musicland music store in 1978….I was mesmerized by their unique sound and Knopflers amazing guitar work. They were my favorite band through 1983….
Nicely done. Romeo & Juliet floats above the rest for me on this gem of an album. The sound of National O opening that song just transposes me to a different universe.
I liked Dire Straits' songs from their early days, but never really got into them until the last 20 years or so. Mark has become one of my all-time favorite guitar players and John's melodic bass playing has moved him up on my list of favorite bass players. Mark's drummers have all been pretty darned good in my opinion.
You've described - very eloquently - my exact personal experience with the Making Movies album. I also liked the in-depth back stories for Tunnel of Love and Skateaway. Well done! As a guitarist, I became a sort of Knopfler disciple back in the 80s, lol. I picked up his guitar style so thoroughly that even today I still play without a pick. I am happy to know that there are others around who appreciate this album as much as I do. Keep up the great work, Professor! You've revived my enjoyment of this album and of Dire Straits.
I'm a bit surprised that the reason you gave, is why Mark's brother left the band, he is a very good guitar player too. I CAN understand not liking to always be second to his brother, but being ticked this long just might be his problem, and not Marks.
Mark Knopfler is everything you have said about him, but he is also a great story teller. EVERY tune he wrote told a story. Sometimes about himself, sometimes about history, sometimes about life, and sometimes about what others have said (Money for Nothing).
Mark Knopfer grabbed me with "Sultans" and has never lost his grip. I just wish I could play guitar half as good as him. ;-)
Great job Professor.....you hit the nail on the head here. I listened the this album so many times, and guess I wasn't the only one!
My love for and appreciation for this album is much like the music itself ... it was a slow build, but by the 2nd or 3rd listen, I was hooked , much different than their first effort which just got me from the opening musical note and no nonsense guitar work ... great band , as for the brothers ... a sad situation !!!
Professor, your research is spot on! Awesome job!
My fiancée had only one not too high opinion of DS… Money for Nothing…. But when I played each one of their albums on my to die for vintage Marantz….. she became a diehard Dire Straits fan. Shocked at the quality….
They are one of my all-time favorite bands. I was in high school when I first heard Sultans of Swing. I had always been a fan of great guitar, and Knopfler’s fingerstyle was like nothing I had ever heard before. I was hooked immediately. As far as Making Movies, it very well could be my favorite album by the band. And Skateaway is one of my all-time favorite songs not only by Dire Straits but ever recorded.
amazing group, mark knopfler has such a unique sound
Thank you POR. At this time of gratitude, I want to express mine for you. You are great at what you do!
"Skate Away" is one of, if not the top, favorite of Dire Straits... it pulls me back to a special place and time in my life.
- back when skating rinks were "the place" to take your 4th grade sweetheart -
Mark Knopfler has always been a great storyteller
Happy Thanksgiving to you Professor. I always knew your channel would grow over time. I've been here when you had less than 100K if I'm not mistaken. Well earned.